10 stars who are raising awareness and inspiring women everywhere

Olivia Newton John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 when she was 43. Since then the star, whose cancer was caught by a self-exam, has become the spokesperson for the Liv Breast Self-Examination Kit, and she's worked as an advocate for health issues, championing the need for research and funding, and encouraging women to be vigilant about their own breast health.

You can use your keyboard to see the next slide ( ← previous, → next)

1 of 10

Cynthia Nixon

Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon waited two years to reveal that a cancerous tumor had been discovered in her right breast during a routine mammogram in 2006. The actress didn't want people to know about her condition during treatment. Nixon, whose mother also survived breast cancer, serves as an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

2 of 10

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate paid a high price to ensure her breast cancer would never come back. The actress opted to have both her breasts removed in an operation called a prophylactic double mastectomy, even though cancerous lumps were only found in one. Applegate plans to launch a foundation for high-risk women who can't afford MRI testing, which she credits with giving her an early start on treatment.

3 of 10

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue's breast cancer was originally misdiagnosed. It wasn't until the Australian pop star decided to go in for a second round of tests that doctors found a lump in her left breast. Minogue, who has been cancer-free for five years, encourages all women to trust their gut and never hesitate to get a second opinion.

4 of 10

Hoda Kotb

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, Hoda Kotb used her position on "Today" to bring awareness to the disease. Kotb even allowed cameras to follow her throughout her cancer treatment, which included a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. The morning talk-show host has been cancer free for more than three years, and continues sharing her story to inspire women deep in their fight.

5 of 10

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson woke up one day to find one of her saline breast implants had deflated overnight. She decided to have them both removed, then noticed a little bump during the healing process that turned out to be cancer. The fashion designer is now cancer free and takes part in fundraising events. She also creates one-of-a-kind items that are auctioned off for charity.

In 2003,Nurse Jackie star Edie Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time she starred in the hit series, The Sopranos and decided to keep her diagnosis under wraps, even from her co-stars. After going into remission, Falco decided to pursue her dream of having a family and adopted her son Anderson in 2005 and her daughter, Macy, three years later.

8 of 10

Olivia Newton John

Olivia Newton John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 when she was 43. Since then the star, whose cancer was caught by a self-exam, has become the spokesperson for the Liv Breast Self-Examination Kit, and she's worked as an advocate for health issues, championing the need for research and funding, and encouraging women to be vigilant about their own breast health.

9 of 10

Suzanne Somers

After the actress and former SHAPE cover girl, announced she had breast cancer in 2001, she refused chemotherapy and became a champion of alternative medicine, sparking some controversy.

10 of 10

Rue McClanahan

After finding a pea-sized lump in her breast, the late Golden Girls star, Rue McClanahan, was diagnosed with cancer in June of 1997. She underwent treatment for it successfully and later went on to speak at many events benefiting Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure. McClanahan died on June 3, 2010.